Mixed feelings for Ed Walker as Stormy Antarctic denied at Doncaster

Ed Walker was left both "gutted" and "delighted" after Stormy Antarctic's narrow reverse in Saturday's Doncaster Mile.The four-year-old was campaigned exclusively at Group One level after landing last season's Craven Stakes at Newmarket, performing particularly well when runner-up in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.He made his seasonal reappearance in Listed company on Town Moor and after hitting the front inside the final furlong, he was caught close home by the fast-finishing Kool Kompany. Walker said: "It's one of those days when you're gutted to be beaten but equally delighted at the same time. "Stormy Antarctic travelled into the race like the best horse in the field and then either got tired in the last half-furlong or felt he'd done enough."When a horse attacks wide like Kool Kompany did, it's very difficult to see them off and we've just got caught close home."Stormy Antarctic is set to have his sights raised once more for a tilt at the Champions Mile at Sha Tin on May 7. "I'm gutted to see my stable star beaten, but it was very much a prep race for bigger and better things and we'll stick to our plan and go to Hong Kong, as long as he gets an invite," Walker added. "We have five weeks to get him ready for that and it will be exciting to see what he can do."The Kingsdown Stables-based trainer was just as pleased with the performance of Captain Colby, who got his career back on track by chasing home Tupi in the Cammidge Trophy.Walker said: "For our first two runners to run in Listed races since moving from Newmarket to Lambourn to finish second is positive, but I am very much a second is the first loser kind of person."He (Captain Colby) is a funny horse and you're never quite sure which Captain Colby you're going to get, but he has plenty of ability."It was nice to see him run well after two disappointing runs and I think a stiffer six furlongs will suit him better."The race I've got half an eye on is the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, but he'll have a run before then."I think there's a handicap on Guineas weekend at Newmarket that he could go for."